Do you have potential customers who do not have a roof with optimal solar potential? For example, perhaps it is shaded or does not have a south orientation. Are there dormers, skylights or mechanical systems that limit their capacity or the size of the PV system? Does the roof have structural issues that make rooftop installation questionable? If so, ground-mounted solar panels may be the perfect solution.
A ground-mounted solar panel system is often an excellent solution because it allows solar panels to be placed in the sunniest location on a property. Customers may ask if it is possible to install solar panels on the ground or if it is cheaper to do so. If you don’t already offer this mounting solution, it can be a great addition.
Offering ground mounts can increase the pool of potential solar customers and result in more satisfied customers. Sometimes this can increase the efficiency of the solar energy system and thus increase the return on investment. Some homeowners may need a solar tracking system on their panel to increase energy production, making a ground mount essential. Unfortunately, ground mounts are often more complicated to design and install, especially for certain soil types.
What are ground-mounted solar panels?
Above-ground solar systems offer design freedom. Rather than mounting panels only on the roof of a house or garage, there are more extensive options available. The larger the property, the greater the options. Larger rural properties and farms are ideal for ground-mounted installations, but some suburban and urban locations are also suitable.
Sometimes PV installers can add PV panels to a structure in the backyard, such as a trellis or shed. These structures can serve a dual purpose and make very efficient use of limited space. For example, a trellis can provide shade and is ideal on the south side of a house. In the case of carports, photovoltaic modules can provide shade and protect the vehicle from the elements.
Three types of ground-mounted solar panel systems.
Ground-mounted systems come in three basic versions: with standard-mounted panels, pole-mounted panels and solar carports. We will discuss all of these options.
Standard-mounted panels.
This approach uses ground anchors to hold the metal frame in place with rails. The solar panels are then mounted, usually at a fixed angle.
The configuration and layout of the metal frame will vary depending on the racking system and the desired design. If the array has more than one row, it is helpful to prevent shading from the first row to the second row and to leave enough space to allow for mowing when needed.
It is very important to choose the best orientation and angle to meet the customer’s energy goals. Some of these systems are manually adjustable, which requires additional maintenance. Seasonal adjustment of the systems is not critical, even if the racking system has this capability, but it will result in slightly lower energy production.
Pole-mounted panels.
Renewable energy contractors mount these solar systems on one or two central poles that are driven into the ground. These installations tend to be taller than standard pole-mounted panels and may have higher permitting requirements due to maximum wind loads and soil composition.
Often pole-mounted systems have a single- or dual-axis tracker that follows the sun to increase energy production. However, because it is a mechanical system with moving parts, tracking systems sometimes fail or require maintenance. If you are installing a tracker, check that the manufacturer is known for reliable equipment and provides a solid warranty.
If the system is seasonally adjusted, make sure the customer understands the maintenance requirements for manually adjusting the panels to increase electricity production. Solar trackers have become reliable over the years, but they are not suitable for every customer or solar location.
Solar sheds.
Solar panel sheds are innovative structures that provide dual functionality, protecting vehicles and acting as a platform for a solar energy system. These structures are typically equipped with solar panels on the roof that use sunlight to produce clean and renewable electricity.
Solar shelters offer a number of benefits, such as optimizing land use by utilizing space that might otherwise go unused, providing shade for parked vehicles and generating renewable energy. In addition, the elevated design of solar shelters allows for efficient use of the space underneath, making them suitable for a variety of applications, including commercial and residential.
Ground-mounted solar panel installations.
Installation of these panels varies widely depending on the racking system, anchoring approach, property layout, climate and soil type. Regardless, proper planning during the design phase of a project helps prevent problems with permits, the installation process and interconnections. Engineering expertise is critical to successful projects.
Installation of standard solar panels.
There are many ways to secure standard-mounted panels. Concrete poles are the most popular, but concrete ballasts, spiral piles and driven piles can also be used. In some cases, the best option depends on available equipment, maximum wind loads and soil type. In addition, your clients may have their own preferences, as some options have a greater long-term impact than others.
Some local regulations require security fencing around the solar panel, which increases the cost, labor and materials needed to complete the project. Please also plan the fence accordingly to prevent shading of the panels or to make it difficult to mow around the photovoltaic solar panels and perform maintenance.
Installation of pole-mounted solar panels.
Installing pole-mounted photovoltaic panels will require some on-site work and may involve more stringent permitting requirements. In some jurisdictions, an engineer must determine the details of the foundation, taking into account soil composition and maximum wind loads. Typically, a tractor-mounted auger is the best equipment for digging a narrow hole, but may not work well in rocky soil. A given racking system will have a maximum number of panels, which varies from model to model.
Pros and cons of ground-mounted solar panels.
There are some major advantages and disadvantages of ground-mounted photovoltaic panels:
Advantages:
- No need to drill into the roof: Some potential customers are concerned aboutdrilling holes in the roof. Perhaps this could void the roof warranty or they are concerned about leaks. A major advantage of ground-mounted systems is that they do not require drilling into the roof, and thus do not require roof penetrations.
- Potentially greater efficiency: If the roof does not receive good sunlight, solar panels can generate moderately to significantly more energy than a ground-mounted system. If this is the case, it could result in a higher return on investment and be more cost-effective, depending on how much the ground-mounted installation increases the overall cost of the system. In addition, installing a single- or dual-axis tracker can increase solar energy production.
- Seasonal adjustability: Some ground-mounted systems can be adjusted manually. This means that in winter, panels can be set at a steeper angle because the sun is lower in the sky. In summer, panels can be set at a gentler angle because the sun is higher in the sky. Seasonal adjustments can slightly increase total solar output.
- Reduce rapid shutdown requirements: the National Electrical Code (NEC) specifies when rapid shutdown of each panel is required to reduce the risk of shock to first responders. Typically, ground-mounted photovoltaic systems do not have to meet the same rapid shutdown requirements, but interpretation of the regulations can vary depending on region, ground-mounted layout and location of system balance.
- Bi-faceted solar panels can increase efficiency: Integrating ground-mounted solar systems with bifaceted solar panels can maximize power generation by harnessing sunlight from both sides, increasing overall efficiency and power output. This is most effective when solar panels are installed near reflective surfaces.
Disadvantages:
- Additional costs: Ground-mounted photovoltaic systems often come with higher initial costs. This is due to additional costs associated with racks, permits and installation. Digging holes may require special equipment and even engineering requirements to determine maximum wind load and soil type. In some cases, however, a racking system provides additional benefits, such as a solar shed.
- Takes up yard space: Typically, ground-mounted PV panels take up more space than roof-mounted PV modules, unless the installer combines them with a useful structure such as a trellis or solar shed.
- Vegetation control: To prevent shading of photovoltaic panels, vegetation control is crucial for ground-mounted photovoltaic panels. For example, it is not recommended to plant trees or allow tall vegetation on the south side of solar panels, as this will reduce solar energy production. Even tall grass can reduce the overall efficiency of the system.
Are PE stamps required to authorize the installation of a solar system on a pole?
If a professional engineer (PE) stamp is required for pole-mounted solar photovoltaic systems, it can vary depending on local regulations and building codes. In many jurisdictions, projects involving structural engineering elements such as pole-mounted solar systems may require the involvement of a licensed engineer.
A PE seal issued by a licensed professional engineer indicates that the design and installation of the structure complies with relevant engineering standards and regulations. This provides assurance that the structure is safe and meets the necessary requirements. To determine whether a PE seal is required for a pole-mounted solar system, check with local building authorities, permitting authorities and relevant codes and regulations in the specific jurisdiction where the installation is planned.
Roof-mounted and ground-mounted solar panels.
Photovoltaic installation companies can provide key information to help customers make informed decisions. Explaining the advantages and disadvantages of ground-mounted installation and determining whether your customer will use this installation option is crucial.